subdues

Gets under control

Subdues is the third-person singular of subdue, meaning to bring under control by force or persuasion.

A general subdues a rebellion; a wrestler subdues an opponent.

The word extends to anything that overpowers or quiets: medication that subdues pain, lighting that subdues the mood.

To subdue is to make less intense or prominent.

conquers

defeats

Overcomes or bests

crushes · triumphs · prevails · masters · beats · dominates · quashes · quells · suppresses · puts down

calms

soothes

Gently relieves distress

stills · tranquilizes · lulls · relaxes · mollifies · appeases · placates · gentles · eases · sedates

restrains

controls

Operates or regulates

holds back · reins in · contains · inhibits · restricts · bridles · harnesses · fetters · binds · shackles

tames

domesticates

Makes animals live with humans

masters · disciplines · housebreaks · acclimates · habituates · yokes · corrals · manages · handles · civilizes

Opposites
control and dominance

subduessurrenders

Ceases resistance formally

yields · capitulates · submits · succumbs · gives in

suppression vs. expression/release

subduesunleashes

Releases from restraint

releases · liberates · frees · arouses · stirs up

encouragement and support

subduesencourages

Promotes confidence in others

incites · emboldens · empowers · inspires · rouses

Phrases
Family

subdue, subdued, subduing, subduer, unsubdued, subduers

Familiarity
Top 200,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated G